A farmer from central China has recently been found to bear a striking resemblance to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

Luo Yuanping has become a minor celebrity in both China and Russia after a visiting journalist discovered his likeness to Putin. Luo says that whenever he sees Putin on TV, he imagines making a visit to Russia, the web news portal wantchinatimes.com reported.

Fellow villagers in Anhui province have begun to call the 48-year-old Luo "Brother Putin". He is reportedly delighted about the attention he has received and the village is also glad to have a local celebrity.

Luo, who is single, also hopes the attention may help him find a wife. "I wish to have a wife and a family," he told a reporter.

The surprise celebrity has also found himself a new job. He recently gave up farming and started work as a nurse.